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Iranian Media: Revolutionary Guard Seizes Oil Tanker

Associated Press

   TEHRAN, IRAN - Iranian media say the Revolutionary Guard has seized an
   oil tanker carrying 700,000 liters of "smuggled fuel" in the Persian
   Gulf.

   The semi-official Fars news agency says seven crew members were
   detained when the ship was seized late Wednesday. It did not provide
   further details on the vessel or the nationality of the crew.

   This would mark the third commercial vessel seized by Iranian forces in
   recent weeks and the second accused of smuggling fuel. Tensions have
   soared in the Gulf in recent months as the U.S. has boosted its
   military presence and oil tankers have been seized by Iranian forces or
   targeted by unknown saboteurs.

   The tensions are rooted in the U.S. decision last year to withdraw from
   the 2015 nuclear accord and impose sweeping sanctions on Iran.

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